Swissbäkers, Known for Its Pretzels, Reopens in Allston

Recently shuttered local bakery chain Swissbäkers has reopened at 168 Western Ave. in Allston, at least in a limited capacity. In a message posted to its Facebook page and its website, the bakery’s owners wrote that they are open in Allston with a limited selection of coffee and baked goods, and with limited hours: from 7 a.m. till 1 p.m. on weekdays, and from 8 a.m. till 1 p.m. on weekends.

At the moment, the bakery is being staffed by ownership and family.

“We can’t yet bring back wage-earning employees, but we hope to soon, if this goes well,” the message explained. “With a few more major hurdles to jump, we hope to start operating in our other locations as soon as possible and of course, we hope to make this permanent.”

Swissbäkers closed all of its locations — including one in Reading and one in Harvard Square — on December 4, 2019. The company announced the closure in a Facebook message, writing: “To the best guests in the world. It’s with a heavy heart that we must inform you that we have to close our doors. We want to thank you for letting us help start your morning the Swiss way for the last 13 years, it has been an honor. We wish everyone a happy holiday season and we hope you know how much we will miss serving you.”

Swissbäkers was founded by Helene and Thomas Stohr in 1998, and was a staple of the farmers market scene before it got its first retail storefront in 2006. It opened its massive Lower Allston location in 2013.

The small local chain specializes in pretzels, breads, and other baked goods, such as chocoweggli, which is a chewy, buttery roll spiked with chunks of chocolate. With any luck, Barry’s Corner in Allston — along with Reading and Harvard Square — will again be rich with pastries and other baked goods.

•Two Au Bon Pain Locations Closed This Week — and More Restaurant Closings [EBOS]
•Swissbakers Heads for Harvard Square [EBOS]